Bethany Mota Admits It Was "Kind of a Weird Feeling" to Beat Out Oscar de la Renta as 2014's Most Popular Designer

When Bethany Mota was announced as the most searched designer of 2014, it was kinda surprising, right? She beat out big guns like Oscar de la Renta, Alexander Wang, and the team at Valentino, and most of us knew her name as a YouTube star. Well, her ongoing collection for Aeropostale is a staple in malls around the country and has done so well, it's turned her into an Internet phenom. As her spring 2015 collection hits stores, I got the chance to chat fashion with her.

Glamour: When you're working on the collection for Aeropostale, do you have to think outside your personal style zone?

Bethany Mota: Most definitely. I go to Twitter and my online audience and ask for suggestions. But I have to remind myself I'm not designing it for me. I want to create pieces in my line that every girl with every different type of style would like.

Glamour: How long does it take you to get dressed in the morning?

BM: I'd say on average up to 45 minutes. I'm very indecisive, but if I have extra time in the morning, I'll plan it out and try on a couple different pieces.

Glamour: What's the best fashion advice you've ever been given?

BM: Wear what you feel most comfortable in, and that's what I encourage my audience to do. It's easy to feel pressured to wear what everyone likes, but I have noticed that when I've worn what is trendy or what everyone else seems to be wearing that there are times when I wasn't completely comfortable.

Glamour: Have you always wanted to be a designer? What did it feel like to see your name as the most searched designer of 2014?

BM: I've wanted to be a clothing designer ever since I was little. I'd always go to my closet and pretend I designed everything in it, [but] it's one of those dreams that I never thought would actually happen. I was completely in shock [when I saw the results], and I still kind of don't believe it. I never thought I would be able to design, and the fact that it's noticed by so many people is a surreal feeling. It was a weird feeling [to see my name on the list] because [the other designers] are all incredible. To have my brand mentioned in that list is such an honor.

Have you seen Bethany's videos on YouTube? They're so gosh-darn cheerful, I feel like we're friends.